From TFA:
Daniel Pohl, one of the researchers who has worked with Professor Slusallek, has used the algorithms to produce ray-traced versions of the Quake 3 and 4 video games.
"It gives much higher image quality in shadows and reflections," said Mr Pohl. "You can even do reflections on reflections on reflections."
This is something that would be impossible with traditional rendering techniques.
The algorithms are well-suited to the next generation of PC chips that have multiple processing cores inside them.
Separate cores could be used to model different rays to make good use of the available computer power, said Mr Pohl.
The algorithms are being made available to anyone to use via the Open RT project."